If there’s any one vehicle that can realistically challenge the Beetle in the annals of historic Volkswagens, it’s the Transporter. More often referred to as the Microbus or just the Bus, the real original minivan first saw the light of day in 1950 as the Type 2 (the Beetle, naturally, was the Type 1).

As with the Beetle, it’s the earliest models that incite the most butterflies in the hearts of air-cooled VW enthusiasts, though the machines remained collectible all the way through the early 1990s. And, if Volkswagen executives have their way, the iconic Bus may once again enter production.

Previewed by the Bulli Concept from the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, the production model would likely ride atop the same platform as the latest Volkswagen Beetle and sport seating for five occupants and their cargo. If that’s the case, expect a range of four-cylinder engines (maybe even a five…) sending power to the front wheels.

If Autocar is to be believed, the next Microbus may be ready for the road by 2014, and it would likely come to the States. We’ll begin the finger-crossing now.

VW execs want Bulli to compliment Beetle in Heritage Collection originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The 2011 Mercedes-Benz Concept A appears to be, quite literally, all show and no go. At its big debut at the Shanghai Motor Show, the car eschewed its 200-horsepower BlueEfficiency powerplant in favor of a four-suitpower unit, courtesy of Mercedes brass. After a star-studded introduction, including a version of Janis Joplin’s “Mercedes-Benz” by rapper David Banner and English pop singers Estelle and Daley, the car broke down before hitting the stage.

That made for a seriously awkward few seconds, as four Mercedes execs, dressed to the nines in designer suits, had to push the car onto the stage. That embarrassing spectacle put a bit of a damper on the hype surrounding the highly-anticipated premium compact.

The 2011 Concept A is likely to donate around 85 percent of its styling to the 2012 Mercedes-Benz A-Class, which is slated to debut next year. There’s even talk of a 350-horsepower AMG version sometime thereafter. We have to admit we’re excited to meet the all-new A-Class, but that’s based on the assumption that it will move under its own power. Top tip, Pieter!

[Source: CDNLive | Image: CDNLive]

Mercedes-Benz A-Class breaks down at debut, pushed on stage by execs originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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